I had the XF300 for many years and loved it. It survived a few falls and kept on working as good as day one. I now have the XF605. It’s a great successor!
I have 2 of the XF305's and I love working with them. People are astonished when they see the video quality. I can wait a while longer for 4k because these cameras do the job when I have a 2 - 3 hour shoot. Best blessing with your new toy. BTW, you are right, both cameras cost me $7500.00 each when I purchased them, back in 2011, so waiting would have been the smarter thing to do.
Yes… It's not even one week, and I'm blown away by this camera already… it's functions, controls, and image quality. It's every bit the upgrade to the xha1 that I always wanted, and could have hoped for. I wish I had bought one back in the day, but it was way too expensive then. The flip-out screen is amazing, Zebras and vectorscope, and focusing aids are like WOW!… I can see myself buying a second one, since I tend to shoot with at least two camcorders when I do events with my sons.
None of my 5 XF300's had Lens hoods with doors! - maybe Canon did that right before the stopped making it. all my newer canon's have them... I still do use these on occasion, but the new XF605 is just so nice, and having even 1080p 60 spoils you - let alone 4k 60 :-) - However the XF300 is still a great camera if you only need 30FPS and have plenty of light... I wanna do some comparison videos on XF300 and the smaller XA50 and 70 that I have now... I STILL like the controls on the 300 the BEST of any of these... esp in the dark! best design canon ever had for layout of ease of manual shooting in real time. Been using Canon's since the L1 days (pre XL1) - so I know all of them really well if anyone has a question - feel free to PM me - cheers!
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 They are great cameras for sure, eps if you are outside or in plenty of light - trust me, not putting it down! - I actually LOVE the camera -the 705 was it's direct replacement, but the high end CODEC that Canon made you use was hard to digest by early versions of Premiere, etc - The 605 is better in my opinion, but if the 705 breaks $2000 one day, who knows :-) - I am awaiting when they will anounce the 505!! Im guessing it will be a XA70 with 4k 60p and maybe more easy to use buttons like the other XF cameras (Minus the 400)
I bought the XF300 in 2014. It has good dynamic range, but the autofocus is not great. Also it has an 5.23 mm x 2.94 mm sensor, therefore those blurred focus effects are not pretty. But with that small sensor you get great zoom capabilities. It does not crush the blacks like the Canon 5D. Low light areas have plenty of information. Frame rates are limited to 60 fps in 720P and 30 fps 1080p (60 fps 1080i).
Two different cameras for two totally different purposes. XF300 for Electronic News Gathering (ENG), Canon 5D for arty, inde filming, or general purpose photography. Love them both in their prospective fields.
Honest opinion….would this be any use filming weddings? I currently use 5d mk2’s with selection of lenses and love the look but the workflow is slowed because of this.
These are great for filming weddings provided you are not expecting that full frame dslr look. If you are OK with your video looking like video, then go for it. If you are after that cinematic-esque look, then stay well clear.
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 appreciate the advice. I do like the ‘cinematic’ look of the DSLR’s to be honest. It works well for weddings. Bu I do like the look of this too! May have to purchaaasse one!
Hi, good camera for the price paid now and it looks in very good condition. Modern TVs do an excellent job of up resing HD video as well so it will look good on a 4k display. Looks like you have a nice laid back approach to life! BobUK.
Bruv this is awesome. Glad you have gone for it. I'm thinking of doing the same thing. I filmed a lot of stuff with my 70D, but I want to do some more street run n gun type work and this would be a much better option.
Yes definitely!… It is soooooo much fun. I've missed filming like this, the dslr's stole our hearts and minds with shallow dof, but now it's time for sense to prevail! 😇
Definitely go for it. I recorded a few soccer games with my old XHA1 a decade or so ago, and it was perfect for it. This camera the XF300 kicks the spots off my XHA1. I've recorded a few events with it since I've got it, and I just love love love it. I wish I had bought it sooner. ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 ok. I was thinking canon c100 mark ii, but carrying different lens all the time seems like it would be a hassle. Is this LANC compatible for a zoom assist handle?
@@cristiansoler2489 Yes it has a remote port on the back. C100 would be hard pressed to beat the 530mm zoom at the tight end of the XF300, unless of course you already have an EF one lying around… 😇
I got back into video about 12 years. My first camera was the XH-A1s. My second camera was the XF300 and it was a beast years ago! It intimidated me so much that I bought a DVD to master it. I had the XF100 and the XF200s. The XF200 is the better of those three. It has a smaller builder, better sensor, and longer zoom. Also has SD-card recording. I always thought it was too big for run and gun. Canon told me it was more of a studio camera. I was the only one in my region that had it. I bought it when it first came out at $7k USD.
@@mcddetectrespect.7467 It records mxf files which you pull off with the Canon XF Utility app which is a free download. FCX can read these no problem. If you are recording 50mbit 4.2.2, you will need to have quite powerful computer. Takes a little getting used to, but is not a problem.
I've never ever shot 4k, and don't plan to start any time soon. So far I'm finding this camera to be amazing. Having said that, I've not shot anything professional with it yet.
Thanks for the video enjoyed it very much, am thinking of buying this camcorder it’s in very good condition with 300 hours on it for 1000 euro what do you think , is 300 hours a lot on this machine. Would appreciate your opinion. Thanks
Thanks for your comments. 300 hrs is nothing considering the age of these machines. I have over 1000 hours on my previous tape based Canon XHA1s, and they are still going strong. Make sure the lens front element is clear with no mould, (mine has a little that only shows up under certain lighting conditions) Check, that all buttons feel good, and are not worn. Check to see all the cover-flaps for the i/o ports are present, and make sure no pins are bent in the CF Card slots, and that they are working fine. These Machines are tough like tanks…
a Canon XF-300 in 2021! Wow! I have this camera and also a Canon XF100! I got them back in 2015 and they have been great for event videography and ENG style footage...I downloaded some picture profile such as TrueVideo etc and the pic quality (I shoot at 1080p, 30p, 50Mbps) is really clean if I keep gain to NO more than 6db (and a bit of noise reduction 2 maybe in the settings)...but..the video is not "pretty to look at" in the same way that shooting an interview with my Canon C100 mk2 and a good lens is...but for live events when I want everything to be in focus then the XF300/100 are the way to go. Low light is an issue of course but they have tiny sensors so thats to be expected. I wanted to upgrade to a 4k camcorder this year but I haven't found the "perfect" camera (I know it doesnt exist lol!)...I like the Canon XF705 but out of my budget...and the Canon XF400 wasn't a real XF camera really...so I hope Canon makes a new real XF camcorder this year. Camcorders are very useful along with mirrorless and DSLRs like a Canon 90D...anyway I forgot where I downloaded several pic profiles that enhance the video quality of the XF300...out of the box the pic is a bit noise-grainy and not lively enough!
I've used it a few times for jobs since I got it, and have managed to keep the gain at 0db, by using 360° shutter in low light situations, and so far it beats the pants off my xha1. It's the camcorder I should've had 10 years ago, but couldn't afford. I never shoot 4k, so I'm OK with it for now. I guess I'll go for the xf705 some time in the next 10 years when the price comes down LOOOOL...
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 ah..the XHA1...my first HD camera (I used to own a Canon XL-1 til then...I wish I had kept it as a prop or something!)...but the XF300 is better for sure...all the buttons etc placed in the right place! I shoot 4k sometimes with a Canon DSLR- A Canon 90D but editing is tough with my "ancient" iMac circa 2014...my clients do not demand 4k but my next upgrade will be to a Canon XF 505 (rumoured to come out end of 2021)...the 705 would be sweet but too much money for me. Not many gigs yet (I'm in Toronto-Canada)...but soon I hope...for fun...here is a videotest I shot comparing the Canon XF300 with my Canon C100...honestly, other than the shallower depth of field that I got with the C100, my XF300 was great! th-cam.com/video/ERqCw5NClvo/w-d-xo.html
@@TheFandangovideoguy I tried looking at the link, but I think the clip must be set to private or something. I don't mind the deep dof of the XF300 as I tend to use it for news type shoots. If I want shallow dof, then I'll grab my 6Dmk2. I did consider getting the C100 mk2, but I needed something to replace my ENG style xha1. I love the form factor of these camcorders, and to be honest I think the shallow dof thing is over-rated... 😇
I had the XF300 for many years and loved it. It survived a few falls and kept on working as good as day one. I now have the XF605. It’s a great successor!
I have 2 of the XF305's and I love working with them. People are astonished when they see the video quality. I can wait a while longer for 4k because these cameras do the job when I have a 2 - 3 hour shoot. Best blessing with your new toy.
BTW, you are right, both cameras cost me $7500.00 each when I purchased them, back in 2011, so waiting would have been the smarter thing to do.
Yes… It's not even one week, and I'm blown away by this camera already… it's functions, controls, and image quality. It's every bit the upgrade to the xha1 that I always wanted, and could have hoped for. I wish I had bought one back in the day, but it was way too expensive then. The flip-out screen is amazing, Zebras and vectorscope, and focusing aids are like WOW!… I can see myself buying a second one, since I tend to shoot with at least two camcorders when I do events with my sons.
XF305 doesn't shoot in 4k though right?
@@lovebeamsoutward Full HD, no 4k.
None of my 5 XF300's had Lens hoods with doors! - maybe Canon did that right before the stopped making it. all my newer canon's have them... I still do use these on occasion, but the new XF605 is just so nice, and having even 1080p 60 spoils you - let alone 4k 60 :-) - However the XF300 is still a great camera if you only need 30FPS and have plenty of light... I wanna do some comparison videos on XF300 and the smaller XA50 and 70 that I have now... I STILL like the controls on the 300 the BEST of any of these... esp in the dark! best design canon ever had for layout of ease of manual shooting in real time. Been using Canon's since the L1 days (pre XL1) - so I know all of them really well if anyone has a question - feel free to PM me - cheers!
Been looking at the 605, still a bit pricey for me. Maybe in two or three years time… The 300 is good enough for what I currently do.
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 They are great cameras for sure, eps if you are outside or in plenty of light - trust me, not putting it down! - I actually LOVE the camera -the 705 was it's direct replacement, but the high end CODEC that Canon made you use was hard to digest by early versions of Premiere, etc - The 605 is better in my opinion, but if the 705 breaks $2000 one day, who knows :-) - I am awaiting when they will anounce the 505!! Im guessing it will be a XA70 with 4k 60p and maybe more easy to use buttons like the other XF cameras (Minus the 400)
I bought the XF300 in 2014. It has good dynamic range, but the autofocus is not great. Also it has an 5.23 mm x 2.94 mm sensor, therefore those blurred focus effects are not pretty. But with that small sensor you get great zoom capabilities. It does not crush the blacks like the Canon 5D. Low light areas have plenty of information. Frame rates are limited to 60 fps in 720P and 30 fps 1080p (60 fps 1080i).
Two different cameras for two totally different purposes. XF300 for Electronic News Gathering (ENG), Canon 5D for arty, inde filming, or general purpose photography. Love them both in their prospective fields.
Honest opinion….would this be any use filming weddings? I currently use 5d mk2’s with selection of lenses and love the look but the workflow is slowed because of this.
These are great for filming weddings provided you are not expecting that full frame dslr look. If you are OK with your video looking like video, then go for it. If you are after that cinematic-esque look, then stay well clear.
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 appreciate the advice. I do like the ‘cinematic’ look of the DSLR’s to be honest. It works well for weddings. Bu I do like the look of this too! May have to purchaaasse one!
Hi, good camera for the price paid now and it looks in very good condition. Modern TVs do an excellent job of up resing HD video as well so it will look good on a 4k display. Looks like you have a nice laid back approach to life! BobUK.
"Laaaaaaid back!… with my mind on my money and my money on my mind…"
Nice nice nice - 4-2-2 color, internal nd's, xlr, very cool. BBC approved for broadcast when it came out. Looking forward to seeing footage. Peace.
I'm loving it already!… footage soon come! 😇
Bruv this is awesome. Glad you have gone for it. I'm thinking of doing the same thing. I filmed a lot of stuff with my 70D, but I want to do some more street run n gun type work and this would be a much better option.
Yes definitely!… It is soooooo much fun. I've missed filming like this, the dslr's stole our hearts and minds with shallow dof, but now it's time for sense to prevail! 😇
How is this camera working out for you? I would like to buy it to record soccer games. What do you think?
Definitely go for it. I recorded a few soccer games with my old XHA1 a decade or so ago, and it was perfect for it. This camera the XF300 kicks the spots off my XHA1. I've recorded a few events with it since I've got it, and I just love love love it. I wish I had bought it sooner. ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 ok. I was thinking canon c100 mark ii, but carrying different lens all the time seems like it would be a hassle. Is this LANC compatible for a zoom assist handle?
@@cristiansoler2489 Yes it has a remote port on the back. C100 would be hard pressed to beat the 530mm zoom at the tight end of the XF300, unless of course you already have an EF one lying around… 😇
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 thank you! I’ve made my decision. Does it matter if it’s pal or ntsc?
@@cristiansoler2489 Yes it matters… but I understand that there is a paid for firmware upgrade from canon that can make it dual if you so wish… 🙏🏿
I got back into video about 12 years. My first camera was the XH-A1s. My second camera was the XF300 and it was a beast years ago! It intimidated me so much that I bought a DVD to master it. I had the XF100 and the XF200s. The XF200 is the better of those three. It has a smaller builder, better sensor, and longer zoom. Also has SD-card recording. I always thought it was too big for run and gun. Canon told me it was more of a studio camera. I was the only one in my region that had it. I bought it when it first came out at $7k USD.
Hi ,can you record in MP4 mode and if not is it easy to open up in FCP. Thanks.
@@mcddetectrespect.7467 It records mxf files which you pull off with the Canon XF Utility app which is a free download. FCX can read these no problem. If you are recording 50mbit 4.2.2, you will need to have quite powerful computer. Takes a little getting used to, but is not a problem.
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 appreciate your help thanks.
I am thinking of buying one... do you miss the 4k? Budget is an issue too.
I've never ever shot 4k, and don't plan to start any time soon. So far I'm finding this camera to be amazing. Having said that, I've not shot anything professional with it yet.
Thanks for the video enjoyed it very much, am thinking of buying this camcorder it’s in very good condition with 300 hours on it for 1000 euro what do you think , is 300 hours a lot on this machine. Would appreciate your opinion. Thanks
Thanks for your comments. 300 hrs is nothing considering the age of these machines. I have over 1000 hours on my previous tape based Canon XHA1s, and they are still going strong. Make sure the lens front element is clear with no mould, (mine has a little that only shows up under certain lighting conditions) Check, that all buttons feel good, and are not worn. Check to see all the cover-flaps for the i/o ports are present, and make sure no pins are bent in the CF Card slots, and that they are working fine. These Machines are tough like tanks…
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 appreciate your help thanks.
a Canon XF-300 in 2021! Wow! I have this camera and also a Canon XF100! I got them back in 2015 and they have been great for event videography and ENG style footage...I downloaded some picture profile such as TrueVideo etc and the pic quality (I shoot at 1080p, 30p, 50Mbps) is really clean if I keep gain to NO more than 6db (and a bit of noise reduction 2 maybe in the settings)...but..the video is not "pretty to look at" in the same way that shooting an interview with my Canon C100 mk2 and a good lens is...but for live events when I want everything to be in focus then the XF300/100 are the way to go. Low light is an issue of course but they have tiny sensors so thats to be expected. I wanted to upgrade to a 4k camcorder this year but I haven't found the "perfect" camera (I know it doesnt exist lol!)...I like the Canon XF705 but out of my budget...and the Canon XF400 wasn't a real XF camera really...so I hope Canon makes a new real XF camcorder this year. Camcorders are very useful along with mirrorless and DSLRs like a Canon 90D...anyway I forgot where I downloaded several pic profiles that enhance the video quality of the XF300...out of the box the pic is a bit noise-grainy and not lively enough!
I've used it a few times for jobs since I got it, and have managed to keep the gain at 0db, by using 360° shutter in low light situations, and so far it beats the pants off my xha1. It's the camcorder I should've had 10 years ago, but couldn't afford. I never shoot 4k, so I'm OK with it for now. I guess I'll go for the xf705 some time in the next 10 years when the price comes down LOOOOL...
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 ah..the XHA1...my first HD camera (I used to own a Canon XL-1 til then...I wish I had kept it as a prop or something!)...but the XF300 is better for sure...all the buttons etc placed in the right place! I shoot 4k sometimes with a Canon DSLR- A Canon 90D but editing is tough with my "ancient" iMac circa 2014...my clients do not demand 4k but my next upgrade will be to a Canon XF 505 (rumoured to come out end of 2021)...the 705 would be sweet but too much money for me. Not many gigs yet (I'm in Toronto-Canada)...but soon I hope...for fun...here is a videotest I shot comparing the Canon XF300 with my Canon C100...honestly, other than the shallower depth of field that I got with the C100, my XF300 was great!
th-cam.com/video/ERqCw5NClvo/w-d-xo.html
@@TheFandangovideoguy I tried looking at the link, but I think the clip must be set to private or something. I don't mind the deep dof of the XF300 as I tend to use it for news type shoots. If I want shallow dof, then I'll grab my 6Dmk2. I did consider getting the C100 mk2, but I needed something to replace my ENG style xha1. I love the form factor of these camcorders, and to be honest I think the shallow dof thing is over-rated... 😇
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 I feel the same as you do...a proper camcorder is always a great tool in a videographers's bag. Enjoy!
Very cool. Not cheap though. A.,
Cheaper than a 90d or a Canon RP!... 😇
Hi. Is there a way to record in .mp4 format when shooting in xf305?
Not that I know of. As far as I am aware, It shoots only MXF format. You'll have to convert afterwards.
@@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003 how do I convert the video format...I'm new to this videoing stuff. The xf300 was a hand me down.
This is ... Ihhh
Is "Ihhh" bad or good?… 🤔